Hetafu
Hetafu is an Indian oral-care and wellness brand developed by Lasarkaali Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The brand has developed dental nutrition products with an oral microbiome-oriented approach, focused on maintaining a balanced oral ecosystem.
Hetafu products are classified and sold as food and nutraceutical formulations under applicable Indian food safety regulations. The brand's formulations have received the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal of Acceptance, described by the IDA as a "gold standard" certification in oral care products in India.
Foundation and history
Hetafu was founded by Lakshmi Narayan and Sowjanya Lakkoju in January 2025 under Lasarkaali Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. The founders have stated backgrounds in nutraceutical formulation, food technology, and preventive healthcare.
The brand was developed following clinical research into oral microbiology, the nutritional needs of oral tissues, and the limitations of conventional preventive oral-care practices — in particular that standard brushing provides only short-duration antimicrobial protection and eliminates both beneficial and harmful oral bacteria.
Background: oral microbiome and systemic health
The human oral cavity harbours a diverse microbial community comprising both commensal (beneficial) and pathogenic microorganisms. Research has established that beneficial oral bacteria help maintain oral pH, contribute to the structural integrity of teeth and gums, and serve as a natural barrier against pathogenic microorganisms.[1][2]
Pathogenic oral microorganisms have been associated with dental caries, periodontal disease, and, in some studies, systemic conditions. Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium implicated in dental caries, has been detected in cardiovascular tissue in some research contexts.[3] Oral bacteria have also been proposed as a route of entry for microorganisms associated with gastrointestinal conditions.[4]
Conventional oral-care products primarily rely on broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents that reduce both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria during use.[5] The temporary reduction of commensal flora following brushing has been noted in the scientific literature as a factor in oral microbial imbalance.[6][7]
Formulation approach
Hetafu formulations combine targeted probiotics, including Bacillus coagulans, with essential oil components. According to the Indian Dental Association, Hetafu dental nutrition products are supported by clinical studies indicating a role in promoting a balanced oral microbiome.[8]
The mechanism of action is described as a dual bactericidal and bacteriostatic approach. Essential oils in the formulations act to reduce pathogenic microorganisms, while proprietary probiotic strains are intended to inhibit recolonisation by pathogens and support commensal flora.[9][10]
The company states that this approach provides oral protection lasting more than eight hours, compared to the brief antimicrobial window of conventional products.[11] These claims are supported by both company-sponsored and independent clinical studies, details of which are provided in the clinical studies section below.
Products
All Hetafu products are described as edible and swallow-safe. They follow the same functional principle — combining essential oils with probiotic strains — across different product formats.
Dollipops
Dollipops are sugar-free lollipops formulated without sugar alcohols. They are positioned for children with gastric sensitivities and sugar intolerances, described as non-cariogenic, and contain non-polyol sweeteners, prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides), probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), and essential oils.[12]
Clinical studies involving 200 participants demonstrated statistically significant reductions in cariogenic microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans over eight weeks, with greater microbial modulation observed at higher consumption levels.[13]
CUTE oral rinse
CUTE is an edible, neutral-pH oral rinse presented as an alternative to conventional mouthwashes. It is described as swallowable, making it potentially suitable for individuals who cannot rinse and spit, including bedridden patients, children, elderly individuals with gingival recession, denture wearers, and orthodontic appliance users.[14] The product supports enamel remineralisation due to its neutral pH of approximately 7.62.
A pilot clinical study in orthodontic patients reported statistically significant reductions in cariogenic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus oralis, over 240 days, along with increases in beneficial commensal bacteria such as Streptococcus salivarius and probiotic-associated species including Lactobacillus sporogenes, indicating a shift toward a less cariogenic oral microbial profile.[15]
DentaBits
DentaBits are chewable oral-care formulations described as addressing halitosis by targeting underlying microbial causes rather than masking odour. The product may benefit individuals experiencing xerostomia, smokers, and working professionals.[16]
In a 200-participant interventional study, 55% of participants presented with baseline oral health conditions, with post-intervention assessments indicating improvements in gum health, breath freshness, and oral comfort.[17]
DentaSmarts
DentaSmarts is a range of four population-specific variants:
- Junior Smarts — formulated for paediatric use, addressing early childhood caries and supporting oral microbiome balance.[18]
- Pink Smarts — formulated for women, addressing hormone-associated gingival changes during puberty, pregnancy, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD).[19]
- Prime Smarts — formulated for adults, focusing on periodontal care and general oral health maintenance.[20]
- Dia Smarts — formulated for individuals with diabetes, addressing diabetes-associated conditions such as xerostomia, delayed healing, and increased susceptibility to oral infections.[21]
Clinical studies
Hetafu products have been evaluated in a series of clinical studies. Published peer-reviewed studies and ongoing registered clinical trials are listed below.
Published peer-reviewed studies
The following studies have been published in indexed, peer-reviewed journals:
| # | Journal | Study Title | Index | DOI / URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | African Journal of Biomedical Research (Vol. 27, Dec 2024) | Boosting Brainpower: The Impact of HETAFU Candy on Cognitive Function in Adolescents | Scopus | Link |
| 2 | Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice (Vol. 11, Jan 2025) | Boosting Young Minds: The Efficacy of HETAFU Candy in Enhancing Children's Cognitive Development | Scopus | Link |
| 3 | J Pharm Bioallied Sci (Vol. 17 Suppl 1, May 2025) | Sweet Shield: Enhancing Oral Health with Bioactive HETAFU Candies in Adults — A Dose-Dependent Study | PubMed / PMC PMC12156562 | doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_16_25 |
| 4 | South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (March 2025) | Impact of Daily Probiotic-Enriched HETAFU Nutrismart Candy on Gut Health: A 3-Month Interventional Study | Elsevier / Scopus | Link |
| 5 | Acta Scientific Dental Sciences (Vol. 8, Nov 2024) | From Sugars to Surfactants: The Role of HETAFU Candy Components in Shaping Oral Microbiology | Indexed | Link |
| 6 | Cureus (2024) | A Pilot Study on the Evaluation of Hetafu Mouthwash in Oral Biofilm of Orthodontic Patients | PubMed / PMC | Link |
| 7 | GAJRC | Innovative Oral Health Management in Children Using JUNIOR SMART Gummies/Candies: A Cluster-Specific Interventional Approach | Indexed | Link (Company sponsored) |
| 8 | SAR Publication | Hetafu formulations clinical study | Indexed | Link (Company sponsored) |
| 9 | EAS Publisher | Hetafu and diabetes-associated oral health | Indexed | Link (Company sponsored) |
| 10 | KS Publisher | Hetafu applications — population-specific oral care | Indexed | Link (Company sponsored) |
Ongoing and registered clinical trials
The Indian Dental Association, Adiparashakti Dental College, and several other Indian dental colleges and research institutions are conducting clinical trials on Hetafu products. The company states that these trials are registered with the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI) and with Independent Ethics Committees (IEC). The trials listed below are ongoing or under interpretation and have not yet been published. They are included here for transparency, in accordance with Wikipedia's guidance on registered clinical trials, and are not used as citations for product efficacy claims.
| Sl. | Product | Study Title | Subjects | Timeline | Status | Registration No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hetafu DentaBits | Effect of Hetafu Probiotic Gum on Oral Microbiota, Halitosis and Periodontal Health — Pilot RCT | 60 | 4 months | Under study | ECR/1742/APDCH/PERIO/PG 02/TN OCT 2025 |
| 2 | Hetafu Gel | Comparative Evaluation of Probiotic-Enriched HETAFU Gel vs Hexi Gel as Local Drug Delivery on GCF MMP-8 in Chronic Periodontitis: Split-Mouth RCT | 20 | 4 months | Under study | ECR/1742/APDCH/PERIO/PG 01/TN OCT 2025 |
| 3 | Hetafu DentaBits | Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Flow Rate and pH in Fixed Orthodontic Patients after Two Mouth Fresheners — RCT | 120 | 3 months | Under study | CTRI-REF/2025/12/120376 |
| 4 | Hetafu Dollipops | A Novel Adjunct for Plaque Management in Orthodontic Patients | 120 | 6–9 months | Under study | IEC registration pending |
| 5 | Hetafu CUTE Mouthwash | Comparative Evaluation of Three Mouthwashes on Salivary pH in Fixed Orthodontic Patients — RCT | 160 | 3 months | Ready for publication | ECR/1742/APDCH/ORTHO/FM 01/TN OCT 2025 |
| 6 | Hetafu CUTE Mouthwash | Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Hetafu vs Ayurvedic (Mougel) Mouthwash in Clear Aligner Therapy Patients | 20 | 10 days | Ready for publication | ECR/1742/APDCH/ORTHO/FM 05/TN2025 |
| 7 | Hetafu CUTE Mouthwash | A Pilot Study on Evaluation of Hetafu Mouthwash in Oral Biofilm of Orthodontic Patients | 20 | 9 months | Ready for publication | ECR/1742/APDCH/ORTHO/FM 05/TN2025 |
| 8 | Hetafu Oral Smart Gummies | Periodontitis: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial | 120 | 6 weeks | Under interpretation | IEC registration pending |
| IDA | Hetafu Oral Smart Gummies | A Multicentric Interventional Study to Assess the Impact of Probiotics and Essential Oil-Based Edible Nutritional Supplements on Oral Microbiota and Oral Health in Children (IDA-sponsored) | 120 | — | Under interpretation | CTRI-REF/2026/01/121969 |
Regulatory approvals and certifications
Indian Dental Association Seal of Acceptance
Hetafu formulations have received the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Seal of Acceptance,[22] regarded as a certification that signifies a dental product's safety, efficacy, and quality, and supports informed decision-making among the public and dental professionals. The IDA describes the acceptance as being "based on a scientific evaluation, with the product demonstrating support for oral health through microbial balance, reductions in halitosis, and improvements in gingival health, and being considered safe and well tolerated for regular use."[23]
FSSAI approval
Hetafu products are approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for manufacture and sale as food and nutraceutical formulations, in accordance with applicable Indian food safety regulations.[24]
ISO certification
The company states that it holds ISO certification for its manufacturing operations.[25]
Target populations and described applications
Hetafu products are described as suitable for broad population use, with specific applications described across the following groups.
Post-dental procedure recovery
Hetafu formulations are described as supportive adjuncts following tooth extractions, root canal treatments, and minor oral surgeries, used alongside prescribed antibiotics and analgesics. The probiotic–essential oil combination may support a balanced oral microbiome and aid recovery during the healing period.
Children
Hetafu describes its children's products as alternatives to sugar-based confectionery, citing associations between high sugar intake and early childhood caries (ECC).[26] Products are described as sugar-free and free of sugar alcohols. Emerging research into the oral–gut–brain axis, cited by the company, suggests potential links between oral microbiota and cognitive function in children.[27][28]
In controlled studies involving 100 children and 100 adolescents, supplementation over 4–16 weeks was associated with statistically significant improvements in memory, attention, and executive function, with effects observed as early as two months and sustained throughout the study duration.[29]
Women
Hetafu formulations for women were designed to address hormone-related gingival changes across life stages, including pregnancy gingivitis, enamel erosion, and halitosis associated with hormonal fluctuations. According to documentation from the Indian Dental Association, they may assist in managing halitosis and supporting oral microbiome balance in individuals with compromised oral hygiene indicators.[30]
Elderly individuals
Hetafu describes its products as suited to elderly individuals experiencing xerostomia, gingival recession, and denture-associated conditions. The swallow-safe, edible format is presented as more accessible for individuals with limited mobility or difficulty with conventional oral care.[31]
Individuals with diabetes
Hetafu formulations are described as supporting oral health in individuals with diabetes, including managing xerostomia, limiting fungal overgrowth, and supporting periodontal health in the context of impaired immune response and delayed healing.[32]
Smokers
Hetafu products may support oral hygiene in smokers by helping reduce pathogenic oral bacteria elevated due to tobacco-associated microbiome disruption, and by providing longer-lasting freshness compared to standard chewing gums and mints.[33]
Bedridden and limited-mobility individuals
The swallow-safe, no-rinse format of certain Hetafu products is described as particularly suited to bedridden individuals or those dependent on caregivers, where conventional oral hygiene is difficult to maintain.[34][35]
Working professionals
Hetafu presents its products as a convenient adjunct to daily oral care for working professionals, citing associations between chronic workplace stress, oral health decline, and links in the scientific literature between oral bacteria (such as S. mutans) and cardiovascular risk pathways.[36]
References
- ↑ Brookes, Z.; Teoh, L.; Cieplik, F.; Kumar, P. (2023). "Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome". International Dental Journal. 73 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2): S74–S81. doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.08.010. PMC 10690560 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 37867065 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Rajasekaran, J. J.; Krishnamurthy, H. K.; Bosco, J.; Jayaraman, V.; Krishna, K.; Wang, T.; Bei, K. (2024). "Oral microbiome and systemic health — PMC review". Microorganisms. 12 (9). doi:10.3390/microorganisms12091797. PMC 11434369 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 39338471 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Rajasekaran, J. J.; Krishnamurthy, H. K.; Bosco, J.; Jayaraman, V.; Krishna, K.; Wang, T.; Bei, K. (2024). "Oral microbiome and systemic health — PMC review". Microorganisms. 12 (9). doi:10.3390/microorganisms12091797. PMC 11434369 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 39338471 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Rajasekaran, J. J.; Krishnamurthy, H. K.; Bosco, J.; Jayaraman, V.; Krishna, K.; Wang, T.; Bei, K. (2024). "Oral microbiome and systemic health — PMC review". Microorganisms. 12 (9). doi:10.3390/microorganisms12091797. PMC 11434369 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 39338471 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Brookes, Z.; Teoh, L.; Cieplik, F.; Kumar, P. (2023). "Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome". International Dental Journal. 73 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2): S74–S81. doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.08.010. PMC 10690560 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 37867065 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Brookes, Z.; Teoh, L.; Cieplik, F.; Kumar, P. (2023). "Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome". International Dental Journal. 73 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2): S74–S81. doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.08.010. PMC 10690560 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 37867065 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Rajasekaran, J. J.; Krishnamurthy, H. K.; Bosco, J.; Jayaraman, V.; Krishna, K.; Wang, T.; Bei, K. (2024). "Oral microbiome and systemic health — PMC review". Microorganisms. 12 (9). doi:10.3390/microorganisms12091797. PMC 11434369 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 39338471 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ "IDA Seal of Acceptance — Hetafu".
- ↑ "From Sugars to Surfactants: The Role of HETAFU Candy Components in Shaping Oral Microbiology" (PDF).
- ↑ Vijaykumar, V.; Mora, Sathi Rami Reddy; Kumari, Santha; Arumugam, Thulasidasan; Dmello, Kuldeep; N, Mohamed Rahmankhan; Vijaykumar, V.; Mora, Sathi Rami Reddy; Kumari, Rajan Santha; Sr, Thulasidasan Arumugam; Sr, Kuldeep Dmello; N, Mohamed Rahmankhan (28 April 2026). "Hetafu mouthwash in orthodontic patients — Cureus pilot study". Cureus. 18 (4). doi:10.7759/cureus.107880.
- ↑ "Hetafu — Products".
- ↑ "Junior Smart Gummies — GAJRC".
- ↑ Lakkoju, Sowjanya; Bolisetty, Deepika; Kumar, Ranjith (May 2025). "Sweet Shield: Enhancing Oral Health with Bioactive HETAFU Candies in Adults — A Dose-Dependent Study". Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences. 17 (Suppl 1): S133–S136. doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_16_25. PMC 12156562 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 40511069 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Vijaykumar, V.; Mora, Sathi Rami Reddy; Kumari, Santha; Arumugam, Thulasidasan; Dmello, Kuldeep; N, Mohamed Rahmankhan; Vijaykumar, V.; Mora, Sathi Rami Reddy; Kumari, Rajan Santha; Sr, Thulasidasan Arumugam; Sr, Kuldeep Dmello; N, Mohamed Rahmankhan (28 April 2026). "Hetafu mouthwash in orthodontic patients — Cureus pilot study". Cureus. 18 (4). doi:10.7759/cureus.107880.
- ↑ Vijaykumar, V.; Mora, Sathi Rami Reddy; Kumari, Santha; Arumugam, Thulasidasan; Dmello, Kuldeep; N, Mohamed Rahmankhan; Vijaykumar, V.; Mora, Sathi Rami Reddy; Kumari, Rajan Santha; Sr, Thulasidasan Arumugam; Sr, Kuldeep Dmello; N, Mohamed Rahmankhan (28 April 2026). "Hetafu mouthwash in orthodontic patients — Cureus pilot study". Cureus. 18 (4). doi:10.7759/cureus.107880.
- ↑ "Hetafu — Products".
- ↑ Lakkoju, Sowjanya; Babu, Dr V. Phani; Bolisetty, Dr Deepika; Kanthem, Dr Ranjith Kumar; Mamatha, Dr Lakshmi (March 2025). "HETAFU Candy — Gut Health". South Eastern European Journal of Public Health: 4253–4261.
- ↑ "Junior Smart Gummies — GAJRC".
- ↑ "Hetafu clinical study — SAR Publication".
- ↑ "Hetafu applications — KS Publisher".
- ↑ "Hetafu and diabetes — EAS Publisher".
- ↑ "IDA Seal of Acceptance — Hetafu".
- ↑ "IDA Seal of Acceptance — Hetafu".
- ↑ "FSSAI approval — Hetafu".
- ↑ "ISO Certificate — Hetafu".
- ↑ Echeverria, M. S.; Mathias, F. B.; Schuch, H. S.; Cenci, M. S.; Correa, M. B.; Huysmans, M. C.; Demarco, F. F. (2025). "Sugar and early childhood caries — systematic review". Brazilian Oral Research. 39: e122. doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2025.vol39.122. PMC 12628725 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 41259577 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Lakkoju, Sowjanya; Mamatha, Dr B. Lakshmi; Natta, Dr Monica; Bolisetty, Dr Deepika; Kanthem, Dr Ranjith Kumar (December 2024). "Hetafu Candy — Cognitive Function in Adolescents". African Journal of Biomedical Research. 27 (4S): 12326–12334. doi:10.53555/AJBR.v27i4S.6186.
- ↑ Lakkoju, Sowjanya; Mamatha, B. Lakshmi; Natta, Monica; Bolisetty, Deepika; Kanthem, Ranjith Kumar (January 2025). "Hetafu Candy — Children's Cognitive Development". Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice. 11: 43–54.
- ↑ Lakkoju, Sowjanya; Mamatha, B. Lakshmi; Natta, Monica; Bolisetty, Deepika; Kanthem, Ranjith Kumar (January 2025). "Hetafu Candy — Children's Cognitive Development". Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice. 11: 43–54.
- ↑ "Hetafu clinical study — SAR Publication".
- ↑ "Hetafu applications — KS Publisher".
- ↑ "Hetafu and diabetes — EAS Publisher".
- ↑ "Hetafu applications — KS Publisher".
- ↑ "Hetafu clinical study — SAR Publication".
- ↑ "Hetafu applications — KS Publisher".
- ↑ "Hetafu applications — KS Publisher".
External links
Category:Companies established in 2025 Category:Companies based in Hyderabad, India Category:Indian brands Category:Oral hygiene products Category:Nutraceutical companies Category:Probiotic products
This article "Hetafu" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Hetafu. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
